Celebrating the 2026 Education Award and Scholarship Recipients!

As students head back to school, we're taking a moment to celebrate the outstanding recipients of the 2026 Education Awards and Scholarships. Congratulations to all!

This was a record-breaking year, with 32 applications received, up from just 6 in 2022 and 16 in 2025. The growth reflects increasing student enrolment, larger graduating classes, and strong interest in post-secondary education across the region. With so many exceptional candidates, the selection committee faced the difficult task of choosing recipients. They evaluated each application thoroughly based on community involvement, personal reference letters, a proposed education plan, and academic achievement.

Supporting Local Students

Each year, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is proud to fund two youth education awards, the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region and the Central nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Education Awards, while also facilitating the Tourism Tofino and the Pacific Rim Foundation Dick Close Scholarships.

CBT's Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region Education Award

$22,000 Total Award ($5,500 per year for four years)

Shared equally by Calla Hurwitz and Eli Morgan

Calla Hurwitz - University of Victoria – Kinesiology

Calla is a motivated and well-rounded student who has shown strong leadership through youth development, athletics, and community involvement. Her clear goals in kinesiology, combined with her resilience and sustained commitment, earned her recognition through this award. Calla’s leadership across athletics, school, and community settings reflects maturity, consistency, and a strong commitment to those around her. 

"I have always loved science, movement, sports, and most of all teaching others about the things I love. I want my focus to be injury prevention and recovery because I have found myself in the cycle of getting hurt more times than I would have liked due to sports, and I wish that on no one. My goal is to motivate athletes to strengthen their muscles to reduce the chance of injury, but also help them to recover properly."

Congrats Calla!

Eli Morgan - University of Victoria - Engineering

Eli is a thoughtful and high-achieving student who demonstrates strong academic ability, leadership, and a clear commitment to community and environmental stewardship. His strong preparation and clear goals in engineering position him well for future success. Eli’s long-term community engagement reflects a strong sense of responsibility and connection to place.

"Learning the skills and science that can then be applied to make technology work better and be more sustainable really interests me. After I graduate, I plan to find a job with an engineering firm, preferably working in a team on aircraft design and sustainability in the aeronautical industry."

Amazing, Eli!

CBT's Central nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Education Award

$22,000 Total Award ($5,500 per year for four years)

Shared equally by Marissa Tom-Charlie and Zakariyah Thomas

Marissa Tom-Charlie – Vancouver Island University - Criminology 

Marissa is a resilient and thoughtful student who has shown meaningful personal and academic growth. Her strong cultural connection, dedication to education, and clear goal of pursuing a career in law make her a deserving recipient with the potential to contribute positively to her community and beyond. Her experiences reflect a thoughtful and grounded leadership style shaped by cultural pride, environmental stewardship, and community care.

"I am very interested in the law and justice system. I intend to go to law school after I get my degree in criminology, and I hope to be able to find a job with my Nation afterwards to stay near home."

Way to go, Marissa!

Zakariyah Thomas - Vancouver Island University - Sports and Recreation Management

Zakariyah is a motivated and community-minded student who demonstrates leadership through sport, service, and cultural connection. Her goals are grounded in supporting youth and giving back to her community. Zakariyah’s involvement reflects a strong commitment to service, cultural connection, and supporting others in her community.

"I decided to go to post-secondary because I want to create a better future for myself, my family, and the youth in Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht. Growing up, I saw how important it is for young people to have support, guidance, and positive opportunities around them. I want to be someone who can give back to my community and help inspire the next generation to believe in themselves and their goals."

Amazing, Zakariyah!

Tourism Tofino Scholarship

$10,000 One-Time Award

Clay Chiovitti – Kinesiology

Clay is a motivated and well-rounded student who has demonstrated a strong work ethic through his studies, employment in the tourism sector, community involvement, and commitment to sports. Clay intends to pursue kinesiology with the goal of contributing sport-specific expertise to the local surf industry. Clay has demonstrated commitment to his peers through teamwork, reliability, and a positive approach in both sport and work settings. His involvement reflects leadership and a genuine commitment to contributing to his community.

"I believe my post-secondary education will enable me to gain the skills to build a career in Tofino and make a big impact on people's health, well-being, and achievements."

Way to go, Clay!

Pacific Rim Foundation Dick Close Scholarship 

$5,000 per year for 4 years ($20,000 total)

Phoebe Forde – University of Victoria - Physics 

Phoebe is an engaged and high-achieving student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to her community through volunteering and active participation. Her enthusiasm for learning, academic excellence, and clear educational direction were among the many qualities that made her standout as an applicant. Phoebe’s community involvement, academic dedication, and sense of purpose reflect a strong potential to contribute meaningfully in her field and community.

"I believe that being a physicist is the ideal career for me because it would be challenging while also being enriching. I want a job that gives me purpose and has meaning to humanity as a whole. I want to help people, and I believe that I am best suited to do that through discovery and research as a physicist."

Awesome Phoebe!

Pacific Rim Foundation Dick Close Scholarship 

$10,000 per year for 4 years ($40,000 total) 

Hugh Clouthier – University of Victoria - Kinesiology 

Hugh is a capable and community-minded student who has demonstrated meaningful involvement both within and beyond the school environment. His clear educational direction, strong academic record, and determination reflect his strong potential for future success. Hugh’s involvement in school and community settings demonstrates dedication, reliability, and a strong commitment to continued learning and contribution.

"Once I become a physiotherapist, I can help my community grow physically and mentally by giving them strength and confidence in their bodies. Knowing what it's like to be injured and scared, becoming a physiotherapist would let me help people in that situation."

Awesome Hugh!

Congratulations!

To all of the 2026 award and scholarship recipients, we are inspired by your achievements, leadership, and commitment to your communities. We wish you every success as you begin your post-secondary journeys and look forward to seeing the impact you make in the years ahead.

Best wishes for a fantastic year ahead!

Photo credits: Nina Moodley